While many students are able to plow through the stress and time demands of college all in one session, some students are choosing to take a semester or two off to work, travel or simply grow up.
Brian Waldrop, an advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences, said taking a step back from school for a short period could be a beneficial decision.
"There are times when particular students just need a break," he said. "It takes a lot of time, energy and money to be in school, and if you don't know what you want to do maybe you should wait."
"The thought of not being in school is frightening sometimes, but it can be a good thing," Waldrop added. "They can decide they really want to be in school and come back with renewed vigor."
Waldrop said generally most students will take a gap year or semester due to health problems, family issues, or to earn money.
Most will take a leave of absence, allowing them to return without going through the application process all over again. The only requirement is that the student be in good standing with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Eric McElwain, a sophomore at Niagara Community College business student, took last semester off when he was promoted to manager at The Tanning Bed in Amherst. He said he wanted to take the time to focus on his job.
McElwain said the semester off confirmed for him that he is in the right field of study and has given him confidence and a great r?(c)sum?(c) builder.
"I am already learning on-the-job experience in my field and getting ready for a higher level corporate job," he said. "I have learned so much from working there, it even helps in my studies."
Despite the learning experience, McElwain is limited to taking night classes and acknowledges that he is behind academically.
"It will take me longer to earn my degree," he said.
Jessica Felix, a senior theater major at UB, also took a semester off as an undergraduate.
"I started out at Fredonia and I didn't really like it, so I decided to figure out what I wanted to do, instead of wasting money and time," she said. The time off gave Felix the time to make some money and memories. "I relaxed," she said. "I traveled a little bit. I went to Cincinnati, New York, Toronto, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Boston, and a few concerts."
"It gave me time to know myself, to meet different people," Felix added. "I think you can figure out more about yourself and the world by going out and living in it rather than sitting in a class room and hypothesizing about it."
Like most parents, Felix's were wary of her decision.
"My mom didn't think I would want to go back," she said.
Sarah Giroux, a freshman undecided major at NCCC spent a year at Montana Wilderness School of the Bible before going to college.
"I wanted to find answers (to questions) I had," she said.
Although still undecided about a major, she said the year was time well spent.
"The experience gave me purpose for my life," she said. "I matured a lot while I was there."
Giroux said the year also gave her more confidence in her academic abilities.
"It was good because it helped me develop study habits. It was something I was interested in so I wanted to study it."
Shannon Reedy, a graduate student studying educational psychology at UB, took a year off from school after obtaining her bachelor's degree to teach a kindergarten class in North Carolina.
"I gained a lot of experience and I definitely think it was a better idea than going straight to grad school," she said.
After a year of high-strung five year-olds, Reedy was ready to return for graduate school. Working in elementary education, her undergraduate major, led her towards a different field of study.
"I no longer wanted to teach," Reedy said. "The real world is a lot different than what you are prepared for in school."
"My friend went straight through and wishes she had worked too, because now she doesn't even want to use her master's," Reedy added.
Waldrop recommends that students speak with an advisor to make sure they don't have any loose ends financially or academically. He said most UB scholarships would not be affected by a leave of absence. "We want to help them plan what they're going to do when they come back," Waldrop said.
Waldrop warned that a gap semester from school might not be for everyone, as they may lose their motivation to be in school.
"It takes a strong will, a strong self-assurance to go back to school after you took a semester off," Eric McElwain said.
Felix said it is a good decision for those uncertain about their majors.
"If you're committing yourself for life it shouldn't be a whim, it should be something you know you want to do."
